DCartier's 560G Blue Window

[dartier]

Things are starting to move along for my new tank, so I thought it was time to setup a thread to document it. The new tank is a 560G Miracles aquarium (120 x 36 x 30). The tank was originally planned to be a 300DD, but after thinking about it, I decided to get the tank that I wanted rather than settle for the 300 DD. The shared album for the photos is available at https://goo.gl/photos/CJrxdqQaGEmWNGmh9.

This first photo was just after the change of plan. The wall opening for the 300DD was already cut out, but the new tank is 4ft longer so it would require the whole wall to go and the newly laid marble to be removed. The marble in front of the door has already been taken out when this was taken.

{photos removed}

This is the latest photo. The whole wall is being removed and the door relocated into the hallway. The new tank will be visible from 2 sides, though it has starphire glass on 3 sides. My original idea was for a peninsula tank exiting the fishroom and extending into the main room right where the doorway was. I was not able to obtain permission for that idea though. The restrictions put in place are that it cannot extend into the room. So I am hugging bolth walls, but not extending past either

{photo removed}

Hopefully I will be going to Miracles factory soon to see my actual tank. They are only about 40 minutes away from my home.

Dennis

 

[dave.m]

No images. What image server are you using?

Dave.M

 

[dartier]

Doh. I was trying to get by without resizing the giant photos so I was trying to use Picasa instead of Google Photos since it previously allowed the thumbnails to be linked. Guess I will have to download, resize, re- upload the photos. Photos will be re-appearing shortly.

Dennis

 

[dave.m]

Take it easy on the photo sizes. Don't be a menace. (sorry couldn't resist)

Dave.M

 

[dartier]

Take it easy on the photo sizes. Don't be a menace. (sorry couldn't resist)

Just for that, my new standard size will be 5 pixels wide by 3 pixels high

This is the first 2 photos where the wall was ready for the 300DD.

This is the latest one where the new tank opening is being made.

Hopefully those show up OK?

Dennis

 

[iced98lx]

Showing up just fine!

 

[dave.m]

Only the last one showed up for me.

Dave.M

 

[Rybren]

same for me.

 

[Stylo328]

Only the last one showed up for me.

Dave.M

Same here. Sounds like an awesome build. Congrats!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dartier]

Hmm, same here (from work). Let me see what I can do. Something must be wrong with the shared folder I made for this specific purpose (forum thumbnails). Hopefully I can fix the folder and the links will start working.

Dennis

 

[dave.m]

Perhaps there is a permissions issue (?).

Dave.M

 

[dartier]

Weird, links look fine.

Anyway here they are again. They are not really that exciting (of photos) yet, but best to get the photo issues worked out before I have something worth seeing (not showing).

I pasted these in from a browser not logged into my Google account, and they show, unlike what was happening at home (showing for me in the reply, but not for everyone else).

Dennis

 

[iced98lx]

I think google is expiring hotlink URL from public galleries now days to avoid this specific use. It's touchiness is why I converted to photobucket (urgh, down more than they're up).

 

[dartier]

Typical Dry Rock Required

Typical Dry Rock Required

Looking for some advice on the number of pounds of dry rock to purchase. As I am in Canada, I will be using the BRS Reef Saver Rock, and just want to get an idea of what people would typically expect to use for a large tank. I know it will largely be based on my personal preferences. I plan to mainly have islands and ridges. The actual rock in the tank will not be the primary means of filtration. That function will fall to the DyMiCo style of filter that I am building to go along with this tank.

The tank footprint will be 120" x 36".

I plan on doing one big order from BRS in the next week, so any advice would be appreciated.

Dennis

 

[DasCamel]

300-400 pounds? Really depends how heavy you want to go. Easy to go 500+

 

[Rybren]

I can't speak to how much rock you need, but have you looked at reefsupplies for the rock? It's about the same price as BRS but in Canadian $. My LFS will bring in Marco rock by the 50lb box at a great price. I'm sure that one of the local Toronto stores would bring it in for you.

 

[dartier]

300-400 pounds? Really depends how heavy you want to go. Easy to go 500+

I was thinking about 400 pounds would be a good starting point, so it sounds like I am in the ball park.

I can't speak to how much rock you need, but have you looked at reefsupplies for the rock? It's about the same price as BRS but in Canadian $. My LFS will bring in Marco rock by the 50lb box at a great price. I'm sure that one of the local Toronto stores would bring it in for you.

I buy most of my stuff from Reef Supplies, and I would be the last person to suggest (a Canadian) buy from BRS due to the crazy (19%) surcharge they apply. But since they ship for free (within the US), it is worth the drive to the border to go pickup a mega order of rock, sand and Reborn media. In comparison, RS charges extra for shipping of these goods. I suppose I could also drive to La Belle Province, but Niagra Falls US, is a lot shorter of a drive. I will email Ray at Reef Supplies just to be sure that there is not a way of using them.

Dennis

 

[Rybren]

Shipping to a US address is a good way to do it. I use a UPS store in Ogdensburg NY for big ticket items. I always declare it at the border and pay the tax. It is still cheaper than having things shipped here, especially if it via UPS or FedEx.

I hope that Ray comes through for you. Have you reached out to Shawn (Mr. Wilson) he has a shop in Oakville and maybe he could work something out for you.

 

[dartier]

Shawn is at Aquatic Kingdom now. I will ask him if something can be arranged locally. Thanks for your input Rybren.

Dennis

 

[dartier]

Tank is built!!

Tank is built!!

Here are the latest photos of where the tank is going to be installed. Hopefully they post ....

The tank is done and is getting its final cleaning today. I am trying to arrange to visit Miracles today to have a look at it. It will be interesting to see what Miracles view of when it can be installed now that I have sent them photos of the yard and access to my basement.

Dennis